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Job title: Chief operating officer, Hanover Group.

Dennis Kelly has left the managing director's job at Hertz Fleetlease to take the newly created role of chief operating officer for Hanover Group, the investment company of businessmen Mark Hotchin and Eric Watson.

The job's attractions, says 46-year-old Kelly, were "exciting opportunities and the group's growth".

"They've had exceptionally good growth over the last couple of years.

"They've also attracted some high-calibre people to head various divisions."

Hanover, whose subsidiaries include Elders Finance and Ubix Document Solutions, says its profit for the year to last June was $40 million.

At that time it claimed $1 billion in assets and shareholder funds of $200 million.

Kelly will report to Hanover chief executive Kerry Finnigan - the new job will relieve Finnigan of quite a load, says Kelly.

"The key thing we're looking to do is build on the company's growth."

Northland born and raised, Kelly has spent 28 years in banking and finance.

After leaving school, he started his career at the Kaikohe branch of the National Bank.

Subsequent roles included northern regional manager for Countrywide Bank and general manager of Marac Finance.

He was with Hertz Fleetlease for seven years, the last three as managing director.

Dealing with clients is the part of the job he most enjoys.

"Being involved in finance means you look at cross-sections of people and the market.

"It's that diversity I enjoy the most."